From the Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9
CAMP
Last week year 9 finally experienced a camp as a highschool student. Students in year 9 went to The Great Aussie Bushcamp from the 9th-11th of November. The goal for this camp was for the year 9 students to make stronger connections with students in their Learning Groups as these are students they see every morning, the hope for this was for them to talk to students who aren’t necessarily in their circle of friends and who they may not interact with. Students were also asked to challenge themselves and break out of their comfort zones to do things that they would not do in their everyday lives. Students were able to participate in activities such as abseiling, rock climbing, leap of faith, archery, high ropes and giant swing. It was great to see all the students participating in the activities, having fun, having a laugh and enjoying their time with their peers.
From some of our students:
During week 5 from the 9th of November to the 11th, our grade went to the great Aussie bush camp in Kincumber. This event challenged us to gain confidence, team-building/team spirit skills, problem-solving, and trust in one another. It was an experience that filled in the missing gap we had as a whole grade. The missing gap between working together and believing in each other,
Going to the great Aussie bush camp as a year group was a thrilling but never-racking experience for us. After being in lockdown in years 7 and 8, this was the first time we could go camping with our friends and our outstanding teachers. Everyone was packed and excited to head to the campsite on our departing day. We had no idea how much fun was in store for us when we finally arrived. Rock climbing, power fan, mud run, raft-building, initiatives, commando night, huge swing, and many other activities were available for us to enjoy and learn from, As we slowly got out of our comfort zones, these activities gave us the opportunity to become closer to our peers, take a leap of faith and make friends with people we don’t frequently talk with. Our instructors were quite friendly, and always showed an enthusiastic smile and cheerful attitude before starting off our day.
Year 9 camp was unlike anything I’d ever experienced in high school with my grade. It was the first time I realised how we as a year ground could truly collaborate to attain our common aim of relying on one another. This camp experience pushed many of us to step outside our comfort zones, try new things and learn not to be afraid of failing. The initiative's activities were one the activities which truly challenged each of us out of our safe place, by compelling us to communicate with our peers and learn to trust one another even when we don’t feel like it. These encouraging activities provide many of us with a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves. The most memorable aspect of this camp opportunity for me would be, the bonding experience we had as a year ground experience. And as well as genuinely feeling like I belong in my grade with my fellow teammates. I will forever christ the amounts we realised we are in this together and we need each other to flourish together as one big family at our college community.
During week 5 of term 4, Year 9 had the amazing opportunity to go to the Great Aussie Bush camp at Kincumber on Central Coast. The three days spent there were filled with a rollercoaster of many unforgettable emotions. From the moment buses arrived smiles were across all faces. During all activities, learning groups worked together as a team.
I believe the best part of camp was how everyone in the learning group had come together, building new friendships with those who didn't already. We had each other's back by pulling ropes, supporting each other during their journey… even if one of us spent 25 minutes doing the tree climbing activity.
Overall, Year 9 Camp 2022 is definitely one to remember.
The 2022 year 9 camp was one of the best experiences that I have had in my time as a student here at St. Andrew's College. As it was our first camp, we as a year group were able to finally bond with each other in a way that we never had the opportunity to do as a result of the pandemic. The Great Aussie Bush Camp provided us with the opportunity to participate in various activities such as The Power Fan, Giant Swing, Mud Run, Leap of Faith, Tree Climb, Initiative Activities, High Ropes, Abseiling, and much more. The activities brought us closer together, both as a homeroom and a year group and were extremely exciting. The best thing about camp was the participation and enthusiasm that all students had throughout the whole experience. Every single student tried their hardest to participate in all activities, even attempting to step out of their comfort zone. Since it was our first camp at this college, the experience was unreal and I will forever keep the memories we have built as a cohort, where we all shared our smiles and stories with one another as we moved on to a new activity.
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Congratulations to the students who have been voted into a leadership position at St Andrews College for 2023. I know you will all do a great job in your role as a leader and role model for your peers and younger students.
Congratulations to the year 9 girls who are part of the Intermediate Girls Basketball team who played their semi final yesterday.
Mr Kharl Carlos
Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9